Brake failure causes Will Power crash in IndyCar qualifying at Barber

Power will start 23rd in Sunday's race after the incident at Barber Motorsports Park.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an IndyCar crash scene, with the car and track broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of dark greys, blues, and reds, conveying the intensity and unpredictability of the incident.A dramatic crash during IndyCar qualifying exposes the fragility of high-speed racing and the importance of reliable equipment.Leeds Today

Will Power crashed in the first round of qualifying for IndyCar's Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix due to a rear brake failure on his No. 26 Andretti Global Honda. Power exited the car under his own power and was evaluated at the medical unit, but he'll now start Sunday's race in 23rd position.

Why it matters

This is a significant setback for Power, who was expected to contend for a strong qualifying position and potentially the race win. The brake failure raises questions about the reliability of Andretti Global's equipment and Power's ability to overcome a poor starting spot.

The details

As Power entered Turn 5 at Barber Motorsports Park, the rear brakes on his car failed, causing him to go straight into the wall. Power said he didn't feel any issue with the brakes before they failed, and he had a car that he expected to get into the Fast Six round of qualifying.

  • The crash occurred during the first round of qualifying for the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on March 28, 2026.

The players

Will Power

A veteran IndyCar driver who is in his first season with Andretti Global after 17 years at Team Penske.

Andretti Global

The IndyCar team that Power is driving for in 2026 after leaving Team Penske.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't feel any issue with the brakes before they failed, and I had a car that I expected to get into the Fast Six.”

— Will Power

What’s next

Power will look to overcome his poor starting position and contend for a strong finish in Sunday's Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix.

The takeaway

This crash highlights the importance of reliable equipment in IndyCar racing, as a mechanical failure can quickly derail a driver's chances of a good result. Power and Andretti Global will need to address the brake issue before the race in order to have a chance at a successful outcome.